MEP Engineering Blog

Michigan State University contracted Peter Basso Associates to perform mechanical systems retro-commissioning for its Radiology Building and provide a summary report. This is MSU’s “flagship” project for retro-commissioning 120 buildings on its main campus.

Systems covered within this scope included:

Air Handling Equipment

Air Distribution Terminal Boxes and Temperature Controls

Mechanical and Electrical Rooms Ventilation Systems

Exhaust System

Heating Hot Water System

Chilled Water System

Packaged Air Conditioning Units and Controls

PBA has identified mechanical system equipment and operational efficiencies that resulted in system control issues and in poor energy efficiencies. The mechanical system deficiency summary spreadsheet categorizes action items based on items corrected during commissioning, items to be corrected by MSU Facilities, and repairs determined to be Priority One and Priority Two. Priorities were based on evaluation of each system deficiency for impact on thermal comfort, energy usage, system functionality, cost, physical condition, maintenance, and safety. A cost analysis determined that the recommended facility improvements would have an annual total cost savings of $61,165 savings per year based on an investment of $378,338 to implement recommendations, for an approximate 6.1 year payback.